SEPTEMBER 17 – Alexander Hamilton Fowlkes was born on June 14, 1935 in Meherrin to the late Waverly and Alice Fowlkes. On Sunday, August 23, 2009 at Centra Southside Hospital, he was called to rest to be with his Savior. He was preceded in death by eight brothers, Langston, John, Willie Lee, Woodrow, Hubert, David, Mack, Alphonzo, and his step-daughter, Laura Gregory Simpkins.

He received his education from Robert R. Moton High School and graduated in 1952. He served in the United States Navy from 1955-1957. He was united in holy matrimony to Laura Lee on August 31, 1972.

At an early age he accepted Christ as his personal Savior, baptized and became a faithful member of the New Bethel Baptist Church. He served as the chairman of the Deacon Board, Choir member, Sunday School teacher, Trustee, and Missionary. He was very talented and could play the guitar and piano. He sang with several gospel groups called The Royal Lights, The Golden Voices and Prince Edward Male Chorus. He has played the piano for Roanoke Baptist, New Witt, Mt. Moriah, Mt. Olive and New Bethel Baptist Churches.

Throughout the years of his life, he worked for UniRoyal, Propane Gas Company, and Prince Edward Sheriff's Department. He retired in 2003 from Prince Edward Public Schools, where he was the Director of Transportation for 25 years. As the Director of Transportation, he went to school and received a driving and training certificate. He was a Master Mason of Randolph Lodge #30, and was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge #269.

He was a truly loving father, husband and a true friend. He loved to fish. He would always lend a helping hand to anyone. The most important thing is that he truly loved and worshiped God even through his illness. His faithfulness to God was shown through his great works. His favorite Bible verse was Phil 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me.”

He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Laura Fowlkes; four sons, Edward Fowlkes, Alexander Fowlkes (Valerie), Charles Gregory and Larry Davidson (Barbara); four daughters, Phyllis Jackson, Sylvia Fowlkes, Pamela Whitehead and Demetrius Fowlkes; 16 grandchildren, Ktonda, Jermaine, Tierra, Justin, Novella, Alexis, Torie, Marcus, Nelson, Antwaine, Antonio, Joseph, Larry Jr., Lauren, Landon and Lania; great-granddaughter, Khamill; a brother, Rev. Joseph Fowlkes (Mary); mother-in-law, that he loved dearly, Dorothy Lee; four sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and a godson, George Alexander Evans.

Funeral services with Masonic Rites were held August 30 at the New Bethel Baptist Church, Meherrin, with interment in the church cemetery.

Bland-Reid Funeral Home, Farmville, was in charge of arrangements.